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I wander the deserted streets of Chicago, the city that would have been our next stop on our tour if I had not decided to leave the band. I sigh as I aimlessly walk around the near still city. Great machines dig up the land. They are marked only with the letters “LP.”

“Someone, help!” I hear a woman cry out down an alley.

I walk down the alley and see a short man with scruffy hair and a white laboratory coat sneering at a red hair woman. In his hand is a stringe and some sort of laser device behind him. I growl softly as I realize that the woman is severely drugged. Her cries for help go unnoticed by the rest of the remaining populace.

“Stay still. This won’t hurt much!” he hisses as he prepares to jab her with the needle.

“Oh, no, you don’t!” I yell as I jump in front of him.

I jerk as I feel the needle pierce the back of my upper arm. Using my strength and willpower, I gather her up into my arms and leap over him. Seconds later, I hear him scream as red light bathes me. I shiver as I barely make it inside Rocky. I place her in the front as I crawl into the extended part of his cab. I struggle against sleep until I am sure she is awake and aware.

“Thank you, whoever you are,” she states as she looks back at me. Seconds later, I succumb to unconsciousness.

I wake up sometime later in a bedroom. My body feels very cold as I toss the tons of covers off me. I wobble my way to the bathroom. I scream in terror as I look into the toilet to see the barely formed child, dead. I collapse in sorrow. My head barely misses the seat as she walks into the bathroom.

“Oh, my god,” she whispers as she helps me to my feet.

I hear the toilet flush as she then sits me on the toilet lid. Tears stream down my face as she tries to comfort me. She is unable to hold me for long due to my new icy cold touch.

“My reason for leaving is now gone. I can’t go back to who and what I was,” I whisper as she hands me some tissues to dry my eyes and face.

“You saved my life. For that, I am grateful. You can stay here until you figure out what you’ll be doing next,” she offers.

“Thanks. My name is Christal Falcon, and you?”

“Mine’s Charlene Davidson. Charley to my friends,” she replies as her green eyes sparkle.

“Am I your friend?” I ask cautiously.

“Of course. You lost your baby because of me.”

“I don’t like being useless. I’m a quick learner,” I reply as I slowly stand to my feet.

“Thanks, I could use the help,” Charlene replies as we head downstairs.

The bottom floor consists of a living room, a kitchen, and a working garage. I smirk softly as she starts to work on a very fine black Harley Davidson. I sit down next to her as she tells me about herself while I help her repair the bike. The weeks pass, and I become as good as Charlene in repairing vehicles. During my free time, I buy special computer parts to upgrade Rock and Roll to give him artificial intelligence, AI for short. I install first the central processing unit, CPU for short, along with several gigabytes worth of memory. After all that, I then install a monitor so I know what he is trying to tell me. Finally I add a special program that gives him AI. Also during this time, whenever Charlene can not find something, I easily find it without looking for it. Soon word spread, and I find things for people with only a brief description of the item lost. I smile softly as a bearded man on a motorcycle roars up to the Last Chance Garage.

“Yo, Charlene, we’ve got a customer!” I shout as I wipe my hands.

“Now, who would be…? Ah, Jack!” Charlene yells as she rushes outside to kiss the blond on his lips.

“Um, Charley? Care to introduce us before anything else goes on?” he asks as he notices me hanging back away from them. “Christal Falcon, this is Aspalt Jack McCyber. He is my best friend in the world. Jack, this is Christal. She saved my life but lost her child,” Charlene replies quickly as I shake his hands.

“Cold hands,” Jack shivers.

“I know, equals warm heart,” I smirk softly.

“What brings you to Chicago, Jack?” Charlene asks as she leads him inside the garage.

“I heard that there was some sort of genius here who knows how to create artificial intelligence. I thought you might have something to do with it, Charley,” Jack replies as she tosses us both a can of soda.

“Thanks, Charlene,” I state as I easily catch the can. “I’m going to leave you two alone so you can catch up on the times. Catch ya’ in a few,” I gulp down the cold soda easily as I shiver when it hits my cold insides.

“Sorry to hear about your loss, kid,” Jack calls out to me.

“Forget about it. That’s what I am trying to do with little to no success. Being reminded only opens the wounds again. I want them to close and heal without being aggravated,” I call over my shoulder as I start up Rocky.

“In the latest news, the White Lioness band has broken up and gone on different paths. Jeanine shocked the world when she declared she was getting married and having children,” the radio announcer reports as I smirk.

“Good for you, DJ,” I whisper as I drive along the streets quickly. “Mmm, awfully quiet for such a big city. Wonder where the beat is hiding?”

“Meanwhile, Ryder and Aieo are trying their hands at acting. Many producers want the retired singers in their movies, films, and plays. Neither has fully decided which movies they will act in,” the reporter drones.

“Those two always were hams,” I chuckle. “Both on and off the stage.”

“Bryan, the second guitar of the band, has decided to follow the path that the White Lioness was said to have wished to do according to some sources. His first book will be a biography on the knowledge he has on the White Lioness. He hopes for it to be ready in the next two years.”

“Bryan always was one to write,” I chuckle. “Mmm?”

“Query: Do you not feel sad that no one has followed your footsteps as a singer?” the monitor relays to me.

“Rock and Roll, a question of the heart? Maybe I have achieved more than I thought. As per your question, no, I am not sad. They must follow their own paths and not follow mine. We each have our own roads to take and obstacles to overcome by ourselves,” I reply. “Now, what is Michael up to, I wonder?”

“Michael has forsaken the paths that have opened to him to remain as he was before the White Lioness broke up. He is currently hard at work, writing various songs to sing. He hopes to go out on tour by next year. That is our music news and now for our local…”

“Good grief, Michael. I guess he loves to sing, though I can not blame him for it. I just hope he remembers kindness as I have tried to teach each of them,” I state as I switch to the local FM radio station.

Rocky’s cab fills with the sounds of rock and roll as I sigh softly. When I come to a stop, I notice one of the diggers starting to tear down an occupied building. I grip his steering wheel angrily as I gun his engine towards the many-legged machine. Rocky zips around the legs as I fire a grappling hook. It attaches to one of the legs as we circle the machine a few times.

“Timber!” Rocky displays on his screen.

“An artificial with a sense of humor,” I chuckle as the machine goes smashing down to the ground.

“Now, what?” Rocky asks as I get out of the truck.

“We evacuate those people,” I reply as I point to the unstable building.

“Roger that,” my handheld display unit shows.

I rush inside the building while Rocky radios for medical assistance. I carefully track down each person and creature in the building. They either walk out on their own, or I carry them to safety. Minutes after Rocky’s call, all sorts of medical vehicles come to treat the injured. I wipe the sweat from my brow as I sit down on Rocky’s back bumper.

“Christal? What are you doing here?” Charlene asks as she and Jack pull up next to me.

“I was just driving around when I saw a machine tearing down an occupied building,” I answer as she hands me a cup of water.

“Is she always doing something serious?” Jack asks Charlene.

“Only when I can not find anything fun to do,” I retort while smiling a little.

“See? She does too have a sense of humor,” Charlene chuckles as she lightly pokes Jack.

“In this day and age, everyone needs a good sense of humor in order to survive. If anyone finds this funny, let me know so I can clobber them,” I reply as I wipe the last of my sweat from my face.

“How is it you can sweat but still be ice cold?” Charlene asks as she touches my hand.

“Might have been whatever it was that cost me my baby,” I reply as I down the rest of my water.

“We may never know,” Charlene replies as she sits on Rocky’s bumper with me.

“Let’s get back to the garage. I need to talk to you, kid,” Jack states.

Minutes later, we are at the Last Chance Garage as I pull up a chair to the table. I wait as Charlene sits next to me. Jack runs his hand through his sandy blonde hair while trying to figure out how he is going to start.

“The company I work for is looking for someone with your talents; however, I know that you are a very good tracker. Charley’s told me of the times that she or someone else has lost something and how quickly you found it. Now, another company has approached me to ask you if you would like to become a tracker. It will not be a walk in the park, that’s for sure,” Jack explains.

“Do these companies have names?” I ask as I lift an eyebrow.

“My company wants to remain unanimous, but the other company is G. I. Joe,” Jack responds quickly.

“I thought G. I. Joe took only from the military?” Charlene asks for me.

“They do, but they desperately need a tracker. If she gets in, they will train her as a military personnel.”

“To be a part of G. I. Joe,” I whisper softly. “Where do I have to go, Jack?”

“Head to Fort Benning, Illinois, and they will ask for identification. Tell them that you’re there for the G. I. Joe tracker test. Good luck, kid.”

“I wish he would quit calling me kid,” I mumble as I pack to leave.

“I wish you luck, Christal,” Charlene states tenderly as she hugs me goodbye.

“Yeah, well, I’ll try to visit you once in a while, okay?” I return her hug after tossing the last of my bags into Rocky’s bed.

Many hours later, I drive up to the fort’s gates. On the other side, I see the barracks and groups of people jogging around the base. I roll down my window and hand my id to the military police guard. He jots down my information as I wait for his question.

“Okay, Miss Falcon, what brings you to Fort Benning today?” the officer asks as he returns my id to me.

“I am here for the G. I. Joe tracker’s test,” I answer as I put my information back inside my chained wallet.

“Okay, let me arrange an escort for you, ma’am,” he replies as he talks into his long-range radio.

Minutes later, a hummer vehicle pulls up alongside Rocky. An American Indian with a bald eagle sits next to a brown hair man with a thick mustache. In the back seat is a German Shepard. I step out of my truck as the animals come to me easily.

“My name is Mutt, and this is Spirit. We’re to escort you to your quarters until the test,” the white man replies as he holds his hand out to me.

“Mine’s Christal Falcon. I am honored to make your acquaintance,” I smile softly as I ruffle the dog’s fur and gently stroke the eagle’s feathers. “Both animal and human.”

“Not many can touch Freedom. You do have a way with animals,” Spirit replies as the eagle returns to him.

“Follow us,” Mutt replies as I get in my truck. They lead me to the woman’s barracks and then give my room location to me.

“Hi, my name is Lady Jay. When you get settled in, I am to escort you to the test area,” a brown short hair woman in green fatigues introduces herself to me as I grab my duffel bag and quickly unpack it.

“My name is Christal Falcon,” I state as I finish.

“You are the only civilian that we have offered a position in G. I. Joe,” Lady Jay replies as we get into her jeep.

“Technically, I am retired military brat,” I reply with a smirk on my face.

“Oh? What branch?”

“Marine Corps. Hurrah!” I empathize my words.

“For how many years?” she asks. Her eyes never leave the road.

“My father was in for 22 years. I was born into the Corps. I spent nearly all my life as a member of the military,” I reply as she stops in front of a large brown office building.

“Ah, Lady Jay, this is the last one?” a man in brown and green fatigues asks as I wait.

“Flint, this is Christal Falcon. She’s the civilian,” Lady Jay responds as Flint shakes my hand.

“Civilian I maybe now, but that does not mean that I don’t know how to defend myself,” I reply as a sailor goes into the building.

“We’ll find out how much you know if you pass the test,” Flint retorts with a slight smirk on his face.

“We’ll see,” I reply as I follow them inside the building.

“My name is Duke. You were called here to see who is the best tracker. G. I. Joe needs the best tracker to stop and prevent any and all threats to the United States. The test is simple. You will be left alone in this building to find a bomb. If you fail, a loud siren will go off. The bomb will be well hidden. If you find it, touch the blue button and nothing else. You will also be given one hour to find it. If two or more succeed in finding it before the time runs out, we will go with the fastest time,” the blond officer states as we nod.

One by one, we go into the control area. Only two find the device before it is my turn to find it. I enter the test area and take a deep breath. Minutes later, I rush up the stairs and slide under a jammed door. I make my way to the device. Finally, I find it and press the blue button as Duke ordered. I leave the test area with a small grin on my face.

“Very good, Miss Falcon. You found it in 30 minutes. You’re the fastest we’ve seen…,” Duke starts.

“Duke, we’ve got problems. Cobra has planted a REAL bomb somewhere on the base. The explosion will be too big for us to evacuate the area. We only have one hour to find it,” Flint interrupts.

“First day on the job,” I comment as I go to work.

A bomb squad follows me closely as I go to my truck. I quickly explain the situation to Rocky who starts a scan while I do a search on foot. They look at me funny as I shrug my shoulders.

“If we find the bomb in time and disarm it, I’ll explain it all to you,” I reply to their looks.

Forty-five minutes later finds me next to Rocky as the bomb squad disarms the bomb. I smirk as I take a swig of water from a bottle. Flint, Lady Jay, Duke, Spirit, and Mutt look at me as I finish my swallow.

“There. It’s disarmed, Duke,” one of the bomb squad members replies.

“Good work. Now, you’ve got to explain that truck to us,” Duke states to me.

“Of course. This truck WAS a basic stock truck. I ordered it with all the extras. I added the AI myself,” I start as I go into the telling of how I put artificial intelligence into him. I lost nearly all of them with my computer jargon, but they are happy with the answer.

“Amazing,” Flint comments as he runs his fingers over Rocky’s hood.

“Now, we just have to decide a code name for you,” Duke replies as Flint hands me some papers to fill out completely.

“How about Hound?” I ask as the image of the Autobot appears in my head.

“Why that?” Lady J asks.

“Well, I am a tracker, right? What domestic creature has the best tracking abilities? A regular trained hound dog,” I smirk as I finish with the paperwork.

“So Hound you will be while you are in G. I. Joe,” Duke replies.

Spirit gives me a tour of the G. I. Joe base. I ask questions that pertain to where Rocky is to stay as well as my own quarters and items I may need on various missions. After the tour, I flop down in my bed and stretch.

“This new life maybe hard on me, but I am willing to go the distance, if given a chance. Best wake up early for training tomorrow,” I think to myself as I drift to sleep.

The next morning sees me up early and ready for my training. I try not to smirk as the drill sergeant scares the rest of the new recruits out of their beds. The drill sergeant’s voice booms throughout the barracks as he notices my failed straight face.

“You think this is funny?!” he shouts at me.

“No, SIR!” I return as my face goes straight. My training under Master Splinter kicks into gear as I stand straight and tall. “If I can survive Master Splinter, I can survive Beachhead,” I tell myself mentally.

“I think someone thinks it is funny. Twenty laps, now!” the sarge yells at me.

“Sir, yes, sir!” I shout as I salute and take off running around the jogging oval.

“My name is Beachhead. I am here to get you rawhides in shape. If I tell you to do pushups, you say, “Sir, yes, sir.” You’ll do them until I say stop,” he pauses to see me still jogging. “Get out of line, and I will give you more to do. How many more do you have to do?!” he shouts as I pass him.

“Fifteen more laps, sir!” I shout. Even though I already did 10, I added five as my own personal punishment.

“It takes you this long to do 20?” he shouts as I pass him for the 15th time.

“Sir, no sir!” I call out as I pick up the pace.

Finally, I finish my 25 laps. I move into formation as Beachhead looks over us. I keep a very straight face as I watch him go up and down the line out of the corner of my eye.

“I want you rawhides to do sit-ups. Now!” he shouts as Duke strides towards us.

I drop down and start doing sit-ups. After a while, Beachhead starts to stride away from us. With his back turned, all the other recruits stop while I still keep going.

“Hey, why don’t you stop?” one recruit asks me.

“Sorry, but I learned that to survive, it is best to have one’s body at its peak and then push it harder,” I pant as I continue my sit-ups.

“Forget it, man. She’s the type to jump whenever they say to,” another recruit states.

“Great. A possible trouble maker,” I think to myself as I vary the sit-ups.

“Did I tell you rawhides to stop?” Beachhead shouts at us.

“Sir, no, sir!” we all shout while I pant in my sit-ups.

I notice Duke point to me as Beachhead turns to see all of us busy with our sit-ups. For anyone who thinks that is impossible to go 10 minutes without rest has never had fear put into his or her hearts. I sigh between sit-ups, thinking the worse.

“All right. Stop!” he shouts as I stop in the middle of a sit-up. “Hound, come here at once!”

I scramble to my feet and dash over to the awaiting officers. A medic strides up to us as I salute Duke and Beachhead. Then I stand at attention, waiting for my orders. Sweat beads down my brow as I keep my hands at my sides. My hands long to wipe the heavy sweat off my forehead and out of my brown eyes.

“Hound, I want you to go with Lifeline. You were supposed to have a physical first before I got my hands on you. Now, move it!” Beachhead yells as I start to follow the medic.

“One moment, Hound,” Duke stops me.

“Yes, sir?” I ask as I turn to face him.

“I noticed that you did 25 laps and didn’t stop in your sit-ups when the new recruits did stop. Why is that?” Duke asks as Beachhead looks at me in wonder.

“You did 5 more than what I gave you as punishment?” Beachhead asks incredulously.

“Yes, sir, I did. The additional 5 was for my lack of discipline, and Beachhead did NOT tell us to stop while he was talking to you, sir,” I answer truthfully.

“That is true. At least you know how to follow orders,” Lifeline adds. “If that is all, Duke, we need to run a physical on her.”

“Of course. Carry on,” Duke replies as we salute and head to the medical wing.

The tests proceed without any problems, save for one. They keep retaking my temperature several times. I think it is because they thought something was not right with the thermometers. I merely shrug my shoulders and redo my temperature.

“Other than a slight anemia and a 20 degree lower than normal temperature, you’re more fit than some of the officers,” Doc, the African American medical doctor, replies casually.

“78 something degrees Fahrenheit? But wouldn’t it be difficult to near impossible for me to live?” I ask as I don my clothes behind a screen.

“It is; however, your body is doing it,” he states as I hear him write something down on my chart.

I step out from behind the screen. I wear street clothes that can blend in almost any environment while my weapons are hooked to my belt and back. The gun that they issued me bangs against my right thigh in a holster. It secures to the bottom of the hostler right above my knee. I check my pant cuffs, and then lightly brush off some dirt from my black steel toed mid calf high boots. Green finger less gloves slide easily onto my hands as I adjust my multi-pocketed green canvas vest. I adjust my belt buckle as I look up from my adjustments.

“Everything else checks out okay,” Doc replies as I notice their stares towards me.

“Okay, it that is all, I’m sure Beachhead has things that he will want me to do,” I reply as I head out the door.

“Hold up. How long have you had cold skin?” Lifeline asks as he grabs my wrist.

“About 3 months,” I answer aloud. “Shortly after I got hit with that ray beam and stuck with that needle,” I add mentally to myself.

“Do you remember anything that could have caused it?”

“No, not really,” I reply.

“Dismissed then,” Doc replies as I salute and stride out of the room.

I pass by the main gate and notice the gate partially opened. A jeep with a driver and a passenger sit angrily at the still closed gate. I wander over to see what is going on.

“Open that blasted gate. I have a very important meeting,” the passenger growls. Something in the tone of his voice makes me suspicious.

“Please be patient, sir. The gate appears to be stuck,” the guard replies as he tries to open the gate manually.

“Excuse me, but did you clear him first before opening the gate,” I ask as I look at the dressed up passenger suspiciously.

“No, I didn’t. He said he had an appointment with Duke in a few minutes,” the guard answers.

“Did you check with Duke to see if he was expecting anyone?” I ask as I notice the nervousness of the driver. I finger my shirakin and the flap over my gun just slightly.

“No, it is not procedure to check to see if a high ranking officer is expected.”

“Then it should be,” I state as I pick up the guard’s phone and dial Duke’s extension.

“This is an outrage. I will see to it that you are court marshaled for this,” the officer growls angrily at me.

“It you are a true officer of the US, you would appreciate the security measures I am taking,” I mutter as Duke picks up the line.

“Duke here.”

“Duke, this is Hound at the main gate. There is an officer who claims he has an appointment with you in a few minutes, and that you are expecting him.”

“I don’t have a… What was that?!” he exclaims as the jeep busts through the gate.

“We’ve got a runner!” I shout as I drop the phone.

My sharp whistle pierces the air, and Rocky roars into view. I point to the speeding jeep as I climb aboard the truck. His engine roars as he honks his horn in warning to the other vehicles. His flashers and lights blink as we slowly catch up to the dangerous jeep. I let my shirakin fly at a tire and then fire at the other side. Both tires go flat as the jeep flips, and the two men are thrown clear. I quickly jump off Rocky as he hits the exploding jeep. Tears run down my face as I quickly cuff the two and literally sit on them until the rest of the Joes can arrive.

“Good work, Hound. Now to see whom they are,” Flint replies as he unmasks the two.

“Zartan and the Baroness,” Lady Jay replies as Flint reveals a brown hair man and a black hair woman with glasses.

“You’ll pay for this, G. I. fools,” the Baroness hisses.

“No, you will. Do you know how much time, effort, and my OWN money went into that truck that YOUR jeep totalled?” I growl as I angrily crack my knuckles.

“Stand down, Hound,” Duke orders.

“Sir, yes, sir,” I snarl slightly while looking at the two with vengeance in my eyes.

They swallow nervously as they are escorted away. Duke, Flint, and Lady Jay look at the smoking wreck. I sigh softly as I grab an extinguisher from nearby and use it to put out the fire. The sound of an engine trying to start reaches my ears.

“What the…?” Flint asks as I then turn on the hose to wash away the foam.

“Rock and Roll?” I whisper as I wipe away a tear.

Rocky tries to pull himself clear of the totaled jeep. He fails due to all four of his tires are completely shredded. He overheats and stalls as I keep the cold water on his exposed engine. He barely clears the jeep, much to the astonishment of all gathered nearby.

“Wow, how can it do that?” Mainframe asks as Rocky remains partially stuck under the jeep.

“Artificial intelligence,” I reply as I give Rocky one more good cold dosing before going over to him. I grunt as I push the jeep off him the rest of the way. “There, Rock ‘n Roll, you’re free, but you are going to need some major work…”

“Right now, I think it is best you report back to Beachhead. I think it has something to do with a vehicle,” Gun Ho replies as they load Rocky up onto a tow truck.

“Please put him into a garage so I can work on him later,” I call out to the driver.

“Sure thing,” Covergirl replies.

“Hound, how did you know that Zartan and the Baroness were trying to get on the base?” Beachhead asks as soon as I report back to him.

“It was the way they were acting. Besides, every time I get a strange feeling in my hands, I know something is going to happen.”

“Well, because you are going to need a vehicle, and we can’t have you wasting gas on scouting, so we are issuing you any type of fuel efficient vehicle you want,” Beachhead replies as he leads the way to the garage.

“Um, I would prefer a non military issued bike,” I reply timidly.

“Oh? And why is that?”

“Well, if civilians saw a military bike in town, they might get suspicious, and that could also alert our enemies,” I answer.

The truth of the matter was I didn’t want to lose another vehicle to a battle. I wanted time to upgrade it to think for itself and avoid situations that would ultimately total it, unless it was to give us the edge we need to win. In my mind and heart, I hope and doubt that will happen if I program it correctly.

“Then what vehicle would you suggest?” Beachhead interrupts on my thoughts.

“Well, sir, a Harley Davidson could be modified to have hidden weapons on it and still look inconspicuous,” I reply quickly.

“You find the bike, and I will see about having General Hawk approve it. All right?”

“Sir, yes, sir!”

“You have 24 hours to find your bike and present it to me for inspection. Dismissed.”

“Hey, mate. Need a ride into town?” Shipwreck asks as he pulls up next to me as I stroll out of the garage.

“Yes, thank you, Shipwreck,” I reply as I hop into the jeep’s passenger seat.

“So where do you need to go?” he asks as we speed away from Joe HQ.

“The nearest Harley Davidson dealer,” I answer quickly.

“Uh, sure thing.”

We drive in silence as we reach the city. The city itself is in slight turmoil over mutants and aliens landing nearby. I sigh as we head to the motorcycle dealer. I examine each bike, finding both strengths and weaknesses in each one.

“This all you have?” I ask the burly bike owner.

“Yes, it is.”

“Hey, you’ve got some new stock in just today. Why not let her look at them?” a salesperson states while stocking shelves.

“You nuts?! Some of them are prototypes, and some are trade-ins that no one wants,” the owner growls.

“Let me be the judge of that, okay?” I ask as he reluctantly shows us to the back room.

Various bikes sit around in the back. I go over to each one as I did the ones up front. I sigh as I slowly stand from the last one, not noticing the hidden bike in the far corner. The owner rubs his hands together as Shipwreck grabs my arm.

“Ya’ missed one, Hound,” he replies as he points to the partially covered bike.

“Thanks, Shipwreck,” I reply as I uncover the white Harley.

I gasp as I look over it. My fingers run over the black leather seat and saddlebags. Shipwreck smirks as the owner acts suspiciously.

“Have a seat and see how it feels,” Shipwreck coaxes.

I nod as I climb on the 88 cubic inch Super Glide Sport. The manager continues to rub his hands worriedly as I place my hands on the handlebars and one foot on the starter. The familiar strange feeling in my hands acts up as I turn the ignition to start the motorcycle. The engine roars to life easily.

“Well, that’s not what is spooking him. It sounds correct,” I think to myself.

I get up and do an inspection on the bike while its engine idles. I scratch my head slightly as everything checks out on the bike. Then it hits me. I did not check the saddlebags. I start to open it as I notice the manager start towards me.

“Don’t open that…,” he starts as I pull out money and some weapons out of the saddlebags.

At the bottom my fingers figure out that is also has a false bottom, and I pull out over a kilogram of hard illegal drugs. I lift an eyebrow as the owner holds a gun on me. We slowly raise our hands as he grins evilly at us.

“I think Cobra will pay well to have two Joes offed,” the manager smirks evilly at us.

“I wouldn’t wager on it,” I state as I take a deep breath and throw the last of my air born sleeping powder.

“Why you…,” the manager starts before collapsing.

“Sorry, Shipwreck,” I think as I pull out my gas mask and catch the falling Navy enlisted Joe.

I tie up the manager and air out the room. I call for reinforcements from Joe HQ. They arrive just as everyone wakes up from the powder. Shipwreck moans softly as I help him to his feet.

“Oh, what hit me?” he asks as the Joes enter and secure the area.

“Sleeping powder. Only side effect is a headache depending on the dosage. I only used a pinch so a slight one,” I answer.

“Good work to the both of you,” Duke replies as we hand all the illegals to him.

“Thanks, Duke. Um, what will be done with the bike?” I ask.

“Well, it will be confiscated and possibly destroyed unless someone speaks up for it,” he responds as the illegal items are locked away.

“I speak up for it,” I answer as they look at me.

“I know your vehicle is in the shop, but why this bike over the others?” Duke asks.

“Simple. I liked it a lot before we found that stuff in its secret compartments in its saddlebags. Besides, there might be a day that I need to hide something from the enemy.”

“She’s got a point, Duke,” Shipwreck adds to my defense.

“Very well. After the vehicle has gone through the local law enforcement, we’ll see about obtaining it for you.”

“Thanks, Duke.”

The next few months find me improving the skills I learned from Master Splinter. Each week I work on parts for Rocky, all the while talking to him like anyone would a friend. Once I get the mainframe of Rocky’s CPU back online. I find out exactly why he did not stop that day.

“Now to see what was running through your CPU on that day,” I reply as I type up the memory.

“At the rate and direction the jeep was tumbling, it would have crashed into the fuel tanks. The resulting explosion would have seriously hurt the gathering Joes.”

“Geez, I would have never thought of it that way,” I think to myself as I tighten a bolt on the motherboard.

Also during that time I learn how to ride a motorcycle. Eventually, the local government allows G. I. Joe to have the confiscated bike. I make the necessary modifications, and soon I practice with my new vehicle.

During one of the training sessions, I go full tilt towards my target. I can hear Beachhead moan in frustration as I dodge the blasts easily. Suddenly, I am surrounded by paint blasts. An explosion sends both my bike and I into the air. I twist while in air to land upside down. My hand automatically goes to the ground. Then I push away while my legs grip the bike. Its tires continue to spin as I finish the performance by landing on the two tires again. Everyone gasps as I shoot a round off and hit my target dead on.

“How was that?” I ask as I take off my helmet after the last enemy gets hit with paint.

“Good work, Hound,” Flint replies as some of the painted rookies grumble.

“Where did you learn to fight like that?” Duke asks as I do a battle systems check on my bike.

“In junior high school and through various teachers, I was good enough to participate in martial arts contest,” I answer truthfully.

“How did you do that bike trick?” Gun Ho asks as he wipes some paint from his brow.

“All the extra training I do increased my strength and agility thus making it possible for me to do that trick.”

“That and you don’t sleep much,” Lifeline adds.

“And why is that, Hound?” Duke asks.

“I lay in bed for only 4 hours. The rest of the time I can not sleep, so I exercise more without disturbing anyone. Besides, I sleep better when I exercise just before going to bed.”

“She shows no signs of physical fatigue, Duke. If anything, she’s in better health than when she first joined, if that is possible,” Lifeline adds.

“Very well, but the instant you show signs of errors in judgement, you will be disciplined. Understood?”

“Yes, sir,” I respond.

“Very well. Carry on.”

We get the equipment inside to be cleaned. While everyone else clean themselves and their vehicles, I spend that time installing the new weapons issued to me onto my bike. I wipe the sweat from my brow as I stand and press a button to retract the weapons into hidden compartments. I smirk as I clean up and lounge in the recreational room.

I sigh as I sit in a chair and read a book about programming a computer. Shipwreck plays pool with Wetsuit while Flint and Lady Jay watch an action flick. Snake Eyes sits in a corner and mediates.

“Don’t you think of anything else besides computers?” Wetsuit asks as he leans against his pool pole.

“Yeah, I think about what my first mission will be like,” I reply without looking up from my book.

“Don’t you think about your family?” Lady Jay asks.

“Until there is no threat to them, I can not,” I answer while flipping the page.

“But surely you accidentally think of them?” Flint asks.

“Those are the times that you might catch me brushing tears out of my eyes. I do not want to talk about my life before G. I. Joe, okay?”

“Mmm, you carry many burdens, but do not know how to free yourself from them,” Spirit adds as I bookmark the book and start to leave.

“That maybe true, but I still hurt from the burdens. I am not ready to talk about it just now, okay?”

I go out to the garage and prop myself up against my bike. I give the Harley a quick glance as I note the newly painted tiger stripes. I open the book and get a better idea as I go to a computer and start a layout of the programming.

Soon I flesh out the programming completely and give it artificial intelligence. My fingers fly over the keyboard as I special request parts for my truck. I do not even look up when General Hawk enters the garage. I sit back and stretch before grabbing a motherboard to start work in the configuration of the memory. I insert the redesigned motherboard inside the bike and connect the wires. The bike roars to life as I jump backwards in surprise and bump into the General.

“Oh, I’m sorry, sir. I did not expect the bike to start up so quickly,” I state as I regain my balance.

“It is okay. I want to talk to you anyway.”

“What about, General Hawk?”

“For one, is this bike battle ready?”

“Yes, sir, it is.”

“Good. Do you feel comfortable to fight?”

“I believe I can if I am needed, sir. May I speak freely, sir?”

“Yes, you may, Hound.”

“Exactly what are you trying to tell me, General?”

“We may need your talents sooner than anticipated. You’ll be reassigned so you can be ready well before your original first mission assignment date. You’re to report to the Slaughter House. Wild Bill will be taking you there. You’ll have to leave your vehicles here until Sergeant Slaughter gives permission. Pack lightly. You’re dismissed. You leave at 1800 hours today.”

“Yes, sir,” I reply as I salute and dash to my room.

I quickly pack and dash to Wild Bill’s helicopter. Soon we are on our way to the Slaughter House. My thoughts remain uninterrupted until the light flashes, signaling for me to don a parachute.

"Great. I get to walk the rest of the way there, huh?" I shout to Wild Bill.

"You've got it!"

"Wonderful. Give my regards to the General when you see him! Bonsai!" I shout as I jump.

After I clear the helicopter, I pull my rip cord to release my parachute. I land on a sand dune with sand as far as the eye can see. I remove my parachute and pack it up when several vehicles approach my position.

"You must be Hound," the leader replies gruffly.

"Sir, yes, sir!" I salute as I recognize the bars on his shirt as a sergeant.

"Why are you here, maggot?"

"I am here because G. I. Joe needs strong trackers as soon as possible," I reply as he circles me once.

"Welcome to the Slaughter House. There's only two ways to get out. You graduate, or you're carried out in a body bag in itty bitty pieces. Now, these are your fellow maggots," he states as he introduces me to the three others, "and I am Sergeant Slaughter. Now, let's move out."

"Yes, sir!" I reply as I settle my pack on my back and start running the direction he pointed.

I run for a good while as the wind caresses me to help me in the distance. I arrive shortly after dusk and flop down into an empty cot and sleep until before first light. Sergeant Slaughter bangs the door as I jump to my feet, quickly make my bed, and straighten my clothes. I rush outside to notice the surprise on everyone's faces. I can barely make out the Sarge's surprise from behind his mirrored sunglasses.

"All right, you maggots, we are going to start exercising before breakfast. Hound, you pair off against Renegade," the Sarge orders as I face the ex-terrorist.

"I will take great pleasure in teaching you your place, girl," Renegade growls as I assume the fighting stance.

"Bring it on. We'll see who can walk the walk besides talk the talk," I retort.

He rushes me as I flip over his head, and my legs lock around his neck. Using my own momentum, I flip him hard onto his back and jump clear of him. I see his hand grab the sand, and he rushes at me again. Seconds before he flings the sand, I duck and swing my leg out to round house kick him. Then I pin him with my fist inches from his face.

"Enough!" Sarge intervenes. "I may not have to teach you as much as General Hawk hinted to me earlier. Before they try to break your neck, we had best find out how much you know easily. Then we will hone those skills until you can do them in your sleep. Do you understand, Hound?"

"Sir, yes, sir!" I exclaim as I release Renegade who growls at me angrily.

I in turn growl back at him. He jumps back from the deepness and ferociousness of my growl. The Sarge chuckles slightly as he runs me through a series of tests after breakfast. He comes to the conclusion that the only thing wrong is I follow orders and directions too much.

"You need to think on your feet. You do so when you are fighting, now apply it to when you are not," the Sarge states as a helicopter passes overhead.

"Oh boy," I exclaim as I notice the Cobra insignia on its tail. "Sir, is that a cobra 'copter that flew overhead?"

"Yes, it is," he answers. "Here's your test. Track down that helicopter and report where it lands. Then, we'll take it from there. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!" I state as I start after the helicopter.

"One moment, Hound. Renegade, you'll be her partner. Watch each other's backs and get back here ASAP. Dismissed," Sergeant Slaughter orders us.

Renegade grumbles as I climb onto his ATV behind him and don the helmet he hands me. It completely covers my head, and only a little bit of my auburn hair sticks out at the bottom. I adjust the helmet strap under my chin and then tap his shoulder, pointing in the helicopter's direction. He nods gruffly as we head to the north.

The helicopter has already passed through, leaving no detectable traces of its direction; however, the local wildlife chatters noisily about the mechanical bird that dared to disturb the warm day. I pull out of my belt pouch a special pair of binoculars to verify the direction. I set the view type to see vapor trails from any and all helicopter engines. A bright red dating less than an hour ago shows up. It's heading from the SlaughterHouse to the northwest.

"Northwest," I shout to Renegade over the ATV's engine.

"Okay!" he shouts back to me as he heads northwest.

Every 30 minutes, I would tell Renegade to stop so I can verify the heading. After following them about 5 miles, I come to the conclusion that they are hoping to zig zag their path to confuse any potential enemy trackers. Unfortunately for them, I do not get confused that easily.

Soon we hear loud noises over the ATV's engine. Renegade turns it off as we top a hill on foot. I use my binoculars to see what is going on at the bottom of the hill. I form two C's with my left hand and mouth the words.

"Cobra Commander."

My mouthed words then bring a fury of mouthed questions. I put my finger to my lips and then make the motion of lay down. What I try to tell him is to calm down, and eventually he does. I point to my eyes and then at the encampment.

"Okay. Be careful," he mouths at me as I sneak down for a closer look.

"I will show those fools who is the coward. I am Cobra and not that upstart," Cobra Commander hisses angrily. "We will attack the Joes' base in full force in 2 hours. Cobra!!"

I quickly and quietly sneak back up the hill to the waiting Renegade. He looks at me questioningly as I continue running towards his ATV. He catches up with me at his vehicle.

"Wait. What did you see and hear?" he asks as he shakes me.

"No time right now. We have to report back to the Sarge, now!" I told him.

"We are not going to tell him anything," Renegade growls at me as he throws me to the ground.

"What are you doing?" I ask incredulously.

"G. I. Joe just lost their only tracker," Renegade states as he fires a shot into the air.

"You are a member of Cobra?" I ask as I sit up on the ground.

"You've got it, sweet cakes. Soon, you'll be in too much pain to even care," he chuckles as a guard of Cobra fighters rushes over the hill with Cobra Commander behind them.

"Well, well. What do we have here?" Cobra Commander hisses at me.

"You know me, Commander. I am your faithful Renegade. This woman I caught spying on your operation," Renegade replies as 12 or so guns point at me as I slowly stand to my feet with my hands raised.

"I think after we destroy G. I. Joe, we'll have fun with her. Take her away, and leave her with no weapons or sharp objects," Cobra Commander orders.

Soon I get thrown into an empty cell. I have none of my weapons save for my fists and feet. I sigh as a rat peeks out of the shadows. They left me with what little food and water I had on hand. Carefully, I place a bit of it in front of the rat who eats it. Then he climbs up my knee for more.

“We are both prisoners here. If only there was a way to stop them and get out of here,” I state to the rat as I lightly run an old brush through its fur.

At first, he squeeks in surprise at the touch of the brush but then enjoys it. Soon his coat is clean and smooth. Then he disappears back into the shadows. I sigh as I remember what happened the last time I saw a rat while I was with Master Splinter.

“You must learn to control your temper and thus control your powers. If you let your temper go unchecked, then your powers will lash out at everyone and thing,” Master Splinter tells me.

“Ah! A rat!” I jump in surprise at the appearance of the non mutant variety.

Master Splinter watches as a bolt of electricity whips from me to the rat. There is a squeal of pain and then silence. After I calm down a bit, I turn to face the sad eyes of the larger rat holding the smaller dead one in his hands. I hang my head in shame as I gently take the rat in my hands and weep softly.

“Say, “Breath of life,” softly,” an unknown voice whispers in my head.

I look around and see no one but Master Splinter. I sigh as I wipe the tears from my eyes. I let out a jagged breath before taking a deep breath.

“Breath of life,” I whisper. My eyes close, and I lean closer to the still, little, and furry body in my hands. I exhale slowly over the rat two times before I sit up and open my eyes. At first, nothing appears to have happened. Then the rodent squeaks softly before opening its eyes and looking at me. It squeaks angrily at me as Master Splinter turns back to look at me holding the now alive rat.

“I do not know how you restored its life, my child, but good work,” Master Splinter states as he gently takes the still fussing rat from my hands.

“Thank you, Master Splinter,” I reply as he releases the rat.

“Just remember what your friends, the Autobots, you, and I hold dear. Allow nothing to hurt it, and do not hurt it yourself. Do you remember what we all hold dear, Christal?”¹

“Life, Master Splinter. Life. Great power comes with an even greater responsibility². So be it. Cobra wants to destroy G. I. Joe and take over the entire world while hurting or even killing anyone or thing that gets in their way. This I will not allow,” I growl as a bolt of electricity shoots out from my fingertips. It shorts the grid for the entire area as I then melt the metal bars with a fire ball blast.

I rush to the weapons holding area where my things are being kept. I load myself back up and then rush to the vehicle bay while Cobra fighters rush around trying to restore power. I know that I only have a few minutes before I would be discovered I was out of my cell.

I start up a vehicle and make a clean get away just seconds before the power comes back on in force. I race back to the Slaughter House and come to a stop just out of the boundaries. I run the rest of the way and skid to a stop as Renegade finishes telling how I was captured.

“You liar!” I growl as I throw two bolas at him. The bolas hit on target and wrap him up quickly.

“Hound! What is the meaning of this?” Sargeant Slaughter asks.

“He’s a traitor, a spy. Cobra Commander plans to destroy G. I. Joe once and for all in less than 2 hours. I’ll explain the details later. We have to warn the Joes now,” I state quickly as the Sarge nods.

“Alright, you maggots, it’s time you showed the world what you’re made of! Move!” the Sarge roars at us as he then turns to me. “Hound, we have to move fast, and we don’t have room on our vehicles to carry you with us.”

“Not a prob, Sarge. After I had stopped tracking you back to the Slaughter House, I sent an encrypted signal to my bike. Ah, here he is now,” I comment as the black on white tiger striped Harley Davidson FXDX Super Glide Sport roars up next to us.

“But how?” he starts to ask.

“Artifical intelligence,” I explain. “I needed a ride, so I improved on what I was allowed to have.” Then I tap the side of my head. “Best to think ahead in case there isn’t a ride available for later.”

“Very good. Now, let’s move out!” Sargeant Slaughter yells as we start out vehicles, don our safety gear, and head towards the Joes’ base.

“We may not get there in time,” I exclaim as I keep my need for speed in check.

“Any way to radio ahead?” he asks.

“Not without alerting Cobra,” one of the trainees states.

“Tiger, message Rock and Roll. Encrypted message. Cobra due to attack within the hour. Warn Joes,” I state softly to my bike. Tiger blips a light to acknowledge that the message is sent.

Forty-fire minutes later finds us reaching the Joes’ base with a battle in full swing. From the looks of it, Cobra did not catch the base by surprise. I smirk slightly as we reach the edge of the battlefield.

“Yo, Joe!” the Sarge roars as he rushes forward to the battle.

“Yo, Joe!” the rest of us chorus as we follow him.

Blaring loud and proud from the truck’s speakers is Rock and Roll music as he gives various Joes lifts to the battle. Cobra tries to aim at the agile truck but miss as Tiger and I enter the fray. I whoop with joy as I shoot at Cobra Commander. He screams in terror as his craft crashes to the ground.

“Cobra! Retreat!” Cobra Commander screams as Cobra retreats.

“That’s right. Run like the cowards you are,” I mutter as I pull up next to General Hawk talking to Sargeant Slaughter.

“She’s done better than I expected, General. I don’t think she really needs to continue training at the Slaughter House. She’s got all the skills she needs. I think she’s ready to go to work immediately,” Sargeant Slaughter states to General Hawk. and Duke.

“She thinks ahead and makes the correct choices. Her truck warned us of the coming army,” Duke adds to my defense.

“Very well. She knows her stuff now. Hound, after the Thanksgiving holiday, you will be given a list of tasks to do,” General Hawk tells me.

“What about before?” I ask as Thanksgiving is only a few days away. from now.

“Go visit family and friends. You’ve earned this vacation; however, you are to report back here on Monday after Thanksgiving. Understood?” General Hawk asks me.

“Sir, yes, sir!” I reply as I salute.

“Dismissed.”

That afternoon finds me treading back to Chicago. I stop outside the Last Chance Garage and lightly shake my head at the poor condition of the building. Rocky rumbles slightly while Tiger displays a question on Rocky’s monitor.

“What are we doing here?”

“General Hawk said I can visit family and friends. Charlene Davidson is my friend, and I want her to know I am okay as well as check on her,” I reply.

I get out of Rock and knock on her door. After a few minutes, the door slowly opens to reveal a tired Charley. I smile softly as she recognizes me.

“Christal! What are you doing here?” she asks excitedly, or as excited as sleepy person can manage.

“Vacation, girl-friend. You look the worse for wear. What’s up?”

“Come in and let me get dressed, so we can talk about it. Make yourself at home. I only can offer some coffee.”

“No problem, Charley. I figured as much, so I brough a special treat for us both. I’ll make it up while you get dressed,” I state over my shoulder as I boil some water and make two hot and energizing drinks.

“Mmm, smells good,” Charley states as I hand her a cup. “Mmm, tastes even better. What is it?”

“My specialty. Christal’s Long Road Trip Reengerizer,” I smirk as my words sink in.

“You drove here non-stop from that base?”

“Nope. The base I drove from in in Arizona,” I smirk as I take a sip. “Whenever I stopped, I asked for hot water, and I would take a packet from my traveling days to make a drink that will give me more energy and alertness.”

“Are you tired after such a long trip?”

“If I don’t get a dose of this three times a day, I’ll be out for quite a while. After we get caught up, and I help you here, I’ll crash for the night.”

“You should get some sleep now,” Charley tries.

“When I just took my first dose today? No such luck. I just won’t take the last dose. So, what’s been going on around here?”

The next few hours we spend talking and then working in her garage. Lunch time finds us shopping for Thanksgiving dinner. Jack comes over after we finish shopping and catches up on events before he leaves. Around dinner time finds the two of us making supper, thanks to my money used to buy food.

“Thanks, Christal. I still don’t know where you got all that money to help me,” Charley states as we wash dishes.

“In the morning, I’ll tell you all you need and want to know about me,” I yawn as I dry the last dish. “Catch you in the morning.”

I climb up the ladder and climb into bed. No sooner than my head hits the soft pillow, I fall asleep.

I wake up around 10 am and head downstairs. I make breakfast with ease. The smells of good food drifts up to Charley’s room. She smiles softly as I serve breakfast for both of us.

“Mmm, this is good,” Charley states as she digs into her food.

“As promised. I will tell you everything you need and want to know about me. Where shall I start?” I ask as I take a bite out of a sausage link.

“Well, how about your childhood and go from there,” Charley suggests.

“Have anything that needs to be done today?”

“No,” Charley states as I nod softly.

“Okay. I was born September 10, 1977 to Charles Falcon and Carol Falcon. I am the oldest child of two. My father is retired military, and I spent most of my lift as a military brat,” I start.

Soon I tell her every detail of my life from meeting the Autobots to my rape and then the lost of the child. Charley remains quiet as we wash the dishes and sit at the table.³ I lower my head and sigh as Charley wipes the tears from her eyes.

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“I was afraid to, Charley, but there should be no secrets between friends. I decided on telling you once I succeeded at becoming a full fledged Joe,” I state as I wipe my own eyes.

“I don’t doubt that you are the White Lioness, but could you sing me a song that she was supposed to have sang at Chicago’s concert?”

“Sure. I’ll sing “Hero” for thee.”

There’s a hero,
If thou look inside thy heart.
Thou don’t have to be afraid
Of what thou are.
There’s an answer
If thou reach into thy soul.
And the sorrow that thou know
Will melt away.
And then a hero comes along,
With the strength to carry on.
And thou cast thy fears aside,
And thou know thou can survive!
So when thou feel like hope is gone,
Look inside thee and be strong!
And thou will finally see the truth-
That a hero lies in thee!
It’s a long road
And thou face the world alone.
No one reaches out a hand
For thee to hold.
Thou can find one,
If thou reach within thyself,
And that emptiness thou felt will disappear!
And then a hero comes along,
With the strength to carry on,
And thou cast thy fears aside,
And thou know thou can survive!
So when thou feel like hope is gone,
Look inside thee and be strong!
And thou will finally see the truth-
That a hero lies in thee!
Oh no!
Things are hard to follow,
But don’t let anyone stand in thy way!
Hold on!
There will be a tomorrow!
In time, thou will find the way!
And then a hero comes along,
With the strength to carry on,
And thou cast thy fears aside,
And thou know thou can survive!
So when thou feel like hope is gone,
Look inside thee and be strong!
And thou will finally see the truth-
That a hero lies in thee!
That a hero lies in thee!
That a hero lies in thee!⁴

“You are her!” Charley gasps as I finish the last chords of the song.

“Please keep my secret, Charley. I left because of the child, and I just could not go back to being the White Lioness after I told the band that I quit,” I state musically while rubbing my throat slightly.

“I understand. Will you be having Thanksgiving with your family?” Charley asks as I shake my head.

“My brother is missing. I have to find him first before I can dare show my face to my parents again.”

“So, what will you be doing for Thanksgiving?”

“Well, after I give you your Christmas present, I plan on heading back and just having a TV dinner back at the base.”

“Why don’t you have dinner with my mom and I,” Charley invites.

“Are you sure it will be all right with your mother?” I ask.

“I’m sure that after she hears how you’ll be spending Thanksgiving, she’ll insist that you join us.”

“Okay, I won’t be visiting for Christmas because I have yet to know if I am going to have vacation time. There are some others that I need to visit, but my Christmas present will help you keep in touch with me,” I state as I set up a computer in her room.

“Oh, wow, but I only have one phone line...,” Charley starts as I hold up my hand to her.

“It’s a cable modem, and you’ll not be billed one red cent. It won’t tie up your phone line either,” I explain as I set it up and turn it on. “Now, see this icon?” I point to the small red truck icon on her computer’s desktop screen.

“Yeah, what is it?” Charley asks as she leans closer to see.

“That is my e-mail. Click on it and a dialog box will pop up. Then you just type away. Once you’re done, move the mouse up to the send button, and I will receive it in 2 hours tops. I also have an user friendly manual here for you to see what other abilities the computer can do for you, from A to Z.”

“That’s very cool, Christal,” Charley states as she starts to flip through the manual.

“This icon is your e-mail box,” I explain as I point to a little house icon with “Home” underneath it. “When you click it, all your messages from me and any of your friends will appear. Right now, there is nothing, but I will e-mail you every once in a while. Cool deal, huh?”

“Yeah, let’s get ready to head over to my mother’s house, okay?”

Minutes later, we climb into Rock and Roll then head to her mom’s home. When we arrive, I am welcomed with open arms by her mother. As Charley and Mae Davidson finish with the dinner preparations, I look around the living room to see pictures of a very young Charley laughing with a teenage boy. I rub my chin as I head to the kitchen.

“Hey, Charley, who’s that in this picture with you?” I ask. Both women stop what they are doing to look at me sadly. “Did I say something wrong?”

“No, child. That’s Jaice, my oldest. He’s been missing for over 10 years now,” Mae answers sadly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I know what you are going through right now,” I try softly as I lower my head.

“Do you? Do you really know what it feels like to lose a child? Never seeing that child again after getting into a fight with him?” she yells at me angrily.

“Yes, yes, in fact I do,” I state as I raise my head to show the tears of sorrow on my face. “I lost my child, a miscarriage. You are lucky to have least known your son. I will never know that child. Never laugh, cry, or argue with that child,” I reply softly and sadly.

“I didn’t know,” she tries as I turn to look at the picture again.

“Not that many people know. I don’t like to talk about it much. The people at my work don’t even know, nor does my family,” I explain as Charley places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “There is so much to be sad about; however, there is even more to be grateful and thankful for. Need any help in the kitchen?” I ask cheerfully as I change gears from sad to happy.

“Do you know how to make real mashed potatoes?” she asks as I follow both women into the kitchen.

“Mom, please don’t start that again,” Charley groans softly.

“It’s okay, Charley. I know how to peel potatoes,” I smirk as I grab a bag and start peeling.

We chat for most of the time as we fix the meal. During that time, we talk about the latest news and almost everything and anything. I make a couple of jokes which we all laugh at. Mae says the blessing, and we dig into the small dinner. After we eat and clean up the dishes, we play a game of Uno.

“As much as I would like to stay, I have to head back to the base. Charley, don’t forget to keep me up to date on what’s happening via that early Christmas present. Mrs. Davidson, it’s been a real pleasure getting to know you,” I shake her hand as I head to my truck.

“See you soon, Christal,” Charley calls out to me as I climb into the cab.

“I hope you come to visit soon,” Mae Davidson calls after me as I wave and drive away from the house.

“Query. How will Charlene Davidson get home?” Rock and Roll displays on his monitor.

“She will get home by her mother. Charley told me that her mom usually spends a day or two with her at the Last Chance,” I answer as we travel back to base.

Onto Chapter 7.

Footnotes:

¹Takes place before the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles found Master Splinter back in Chapter 2.

²Quoted from Ben Parker, Peter Parker's, aka Spiderman's, uncle, from the Marvel Productions SpiderMan cartoon series.

³See Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 for the recount. I just don't want to make the chapters longer than what they already are.

⁴Mirah Carey, "Hero."